About 36 years ago, the author, then an executive in Kentucky’s thoroughbred racing industry, conceived an idea to create a special day of racing at Churchill Downs dedicated to celebrating Kentucky-bred thoroughbreds, stallions, breeders, and owners. The vision was to establish a competitive, festive event with bonus purses and incentives to encourage breeding and racing, fostering unity and excitement within the industry. Despite initial enthusiasm and support from key figures like Seth Hancock and Churchill Downs leadership, the idea faced numerous setbacks and remained unrealized for decades.

Recently, with renewed effort and collaboration from industry friends and leaders, including Mike Ziegler, Chauncey Morris, and Rob and Michele Murphy, the concept has finally gained traction. This Thanksgiving week, a significant breeders’ incentive program will be launched at Churchill Downs, distributing $350,000 to breeders of two-year-olds racing that day—an unprecedented move in the U.S. While some original components, like owner incentives and a stallion competition, are still in development, there is strong optimism that these will be incorporated in future years, fulfilling the long-held dream of a unifying, celebratory racing event in Kentucky.